The Hong Kong flu is coming: how to protect yourself during seasonal outbreaks
Since the beginning of autumn, the country has seen an increase in the incidence of influenza, mainly subtype A (H3N2), known as Hong Kong flu. The virus is spreading most actively among children and schoolchildren, which has already led to restrictions on full-time education in some regions. Experts warn that peak activity is expected by the beginning of the holidays, but the situation remains controlled, severe forms of the disease are rarely recorded. About how to protect yourself from the flu and how to act in case of illness — in the material of Izvestia.
The peak incidence of influenza in the Russian Federation will be on New Year's holidays
In Russia, there has been a steady increase in the incidence of respiratory infections, with the main circulating virus belonging to subtype A(H3N2), known as Hong Kong flu. According to Rospotrebnadzor, the virus is spreading especially actively in the Far East, Siberia and the Urals.
The head of the department, Anna Popova, said that the peak of flu activity is expected by the beginning of the New Year holidays. At the same time, the epidemiological situation is assessed as controlled, and severe forms of the disease are relatively rare. In the capital, according to the Moscow Department of Health, 15% of the beds in adult and children's hospitals are available, hospitalizations are significantly less than in the same period last year.
Despite individual publications about the severe course of the disease and the appearance of new aggressive strains, Rospotrebnadzor refutes information about a super-aggressive mutated virus and emphasizes that the epidemiological situation is under control. It is noted that the current strain is mild in most cases, and the number of hospitalizations is two and a half times less than last year when a similar strain was circulating.
Who gets the flu most often?
An analysis of the incidence rates indicates that the majority of cases occur in schoolchildren and preschool children. They are the most vulnerable group and actively spread the virus in their teams, which significantly affects the epidemiological situation in the regions. In addition, an increased risk of severe disease is observed in the elderly, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases and people with weakened immune systems.
Doctors pay attention to the fact that the symptoms of the Hong Kong flu can develop rapidly. In adults, the first signs appear within a few hours, in children — in just 15-30 minutes. High fever, body aches, weakness, cough, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea require immediate response to prevent complications. Pneumonia, otitis media, and problems with the cardiovascular system are considered the most dangerous consequences of the disease, especially in high-risk groups.
How to protect yourself from the flu and act in case of illness
The basis of protection against influenza is comprehensive prevention, combining vaccination and compliance with precautionary measures. An annual vaccination prepares the immune system to encounter circulating viruses and reduces the risk of severe disease. This was stated by Murad Shakhmardanov, MD, Professor of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology at the Institute of Clinical Medicine at Pirogov University, in a conversation with Izvestia.
It is also important to wear masks in public places during periods of rising morbidity, avoid mass events if possible, ventilate the premises and maintain optimal air humidity. These measures make the environment less favorable for viruses and reduce the likelihood of infection.
— The condition of your own body also plays an important role in prevention. A healthy lifestyle contributes to the strengthening of natural immunity: adequate sleep (7-9 hours), a balanced diet with an abundance of vitamins, regular physical activity, outdoor walks and the ability to manage stress," the doctor said.
If flu symptoms do occur, the main principle is responsibility to yourself and others. The first step should be to limit contact, refuse to attend work or study, and immediately consult a doctor. For successful treatment, a gentle regime is important: the body must expend its strength to fight infection, so bed rest is mandatory. Drinking plenty of warm water helps to remove toxins, and symptomatic remedies are used on the recommendation of a specialist to reduce fever and relieve the condition of the throat and nose.
Experts warn of the need to urgently seek medical help if signs of complications appear. Critical signals are temperatures above 39 degrees, shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, severe vomiting, and signs of dehydration. An early reaction helps to prevent the development of severe consequences and accelerates the recovery of the body.
Thus, reliable protection against the Hong Kong flu is based on two pillars: systematic prevention, minimizing the risk of infection, and competent actions at the first signs of the disease, including contacting a doctor, observing rest and following medical prescriptions accurately. This comprehensive approach is the most effective way to maintain health during epidemics and seasonal outbreaks of infections.
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